Entwined Destinies | ON HOLD

4 - M a r r i a g e D a t e F i x e d

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PADMINI

I was strolling through our garden as I usually do, multitasking by checking important emails on my phone. Time is precious, after all.

"Be careful, Auntie, you might trip," Saaira's voice interrupted my thoughts, prompting me to turn around and see her standing there.

I made my way to the chairs in the garden and settled into one, patting the seat beside me, signaling for Saaira to join me.

She took a seat, handing me a bottle of water and a napkin with a sweet smile.

"Thank you, Saaira," I acknowledged, finishing the water and placing the bottle on the table.

Dabbing my face with the napkin, I inquired, "What's on your mind, Saaira?"

Nervously fidgeting with her fingers, Saaira looked up at me upon hearing my question and stammered, "Auntie, h-how did you know I wanted to talk to you?"

Though I usually dislike answering a question with another question, but since it's Saaira, I simply smiled and waited for her to speak, already aware of what she wanted to say.

"Auntie, I-I don't want to get married," she stammered.

Leaning back in my chair and setting aside my phone, I softened my tone and asked, "Why, Saaira?"

She kept her eyes down and continued fidgeting with her fingers but words didn't come out of her mouth.

"Saaira, do you have feelings for someone special? If you do, just let me know, and I'll make sure your marriage happens with him," I said calmly.

Saaira's gaze shot toward me instantly, and she shook her head, replying, "No, Auntie, I don't have feelings for anyone like that."

"Then what's the problem with marrying Advik? What you people call these days." I said, trying to recall the term, "ha, wo tumhaare type ka nahi hai kya?" I chuckled slightly.

(Is he not your type)

Saaira looked at me with a hint of surprise before responding, "Nahi aunty aisi koi baat nahi hai, wo actually..."

(No, Auntie, it's not like that. It's actually)

"Is everything alright, Saaira? You know you can share anything with me. Please don't feel like a stranger anymore," I said softly.

Saaira nodded and smiled slowly before starting to speak. "Advik ji doesn't want this marriage, and I don't want to force him into it. Getting married knowing that we won't be happy together wouldn't be right."

"Advik is ready for marriage," I informed her.

Her expression changed from surprise to shock, unable to believe what she had just heard.

She asked again, "What did you say, Auntie?"

I smiled and gently placed my hand on her head, "Saaira, beta, Advik is ready to marry you. So don't dwell on it too much. Start thinking about your wedding. Panditji is coming today to finalise the auspicious date for your marriage."

SAAIRA

I was shocked with the revelation that Advik is ready for marriage.

Turning around, I noticed Auntie had already made her way inside the mansion, leaving me standing there with the weight of the news sinking in.

I rose to my feet and followed her inside, my mind still grappling with the news.